Indian Activist Sonam Wangchuk Forcibly Transferred to Hospital After Month-Long Hunger Strike

Indian activist and education advocate Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a 20-day hunger strike in Delhi, was forcibly removed from his protest site by security forces.

The 59-year-old Wangchuk has remained at the protest grounds for three weeks, consuming only salt and water to demand reforms in India’s education system. His supporters plan to organize a march to the nation’s capital on Monday to present their grievances. The protest is affiliated with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical initiative seeking systemic changes in academic practices.

Founder Abhijeet Dipke of CJP revealed Saturday that police met him during a brief absence from the protest site, refusing to allow him to return. Wangchuk was reportedly lying on a platform in intense summer heat when authorities intervened. He has lost over 9 kilograms and suffered significant physical strain from extended fasting.

Video footage captured chaos at approximately 07:30 local time (02:00 GMT) as law enforcement and paramilitary units arrived at the protest control. Multiple beds organized by volunteers surrounded the area, and bystanders were pushed aside. Authorities draped the activist in bedsheets before transporting him away on stretcher—a process documented in broadcast video.

Dipke confirmed he was not provided information about Wangchuk’s destination. He emphasized Wangchuk’s fragile condition, stating that no medical parameter justified the forced removal. Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma claimed the transfer was court-ordered for urgent care, though representatives dispute this narrative.

Samples of Delhi High Court orders issued Thursday reference medical supervision requirements but do not explicitly authorize detention without consent. Wangchuk had previously defied multiple injunctions to end the fast, stating: “I’ve grown weak from the outside but I’m strong from within,” according to protest organizers.

Speaking to the crowd at Jantar Mantar—an astronomical observatory built in 1724—the activist added dark humor: “Should I perish before reaching the parliament, my spirit will personally join the demonstration.” Demonstrators cheered what became a rallying cry for the movement.

Mobility restrictions render Monday’s parliamentary march improbable, though CJP members continue preparation. The satirical group, which has mobilized millions online, emerged in May to protest academic corruption after the cancellation of a medical college entrance exam due to leaked papers. Protesters now demand the resignation of identified government leaders and restructuring of educational oversight.

Institutional responses have been polarized. Education Minister Pradhan dismissed charges as “model B agitators’ work,” while opposition figures urge official engagement. Notable political actor Arvind Kejriwal recently visited Wangchuk, declaring in a online clip: “Exam voucher breaches have repeatedly impacted millions of students. The home administration must collaborate with social inventors to enhance academic compliance.” Kejriwal controversially endorsed Wangchuk as replacement for the contentious administrator, a position denied by existing officials

The CJP’s activists, clad in black attire resembling insects, have sustained collective sit-ins at multiple sites for 30 consecutive days. Student assemblies and rebel scholars have formed secondary support networks, though mainstream organizations maintain non-alignment.

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